5-2-2-1 is a defensive of 3-4-2-1 formation. Its very easy to switch your formation from 3-4-2-1 to 5-2-2-1, in order to protect your advantage in a match.
In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 5-2-2-1 formation, and after that we will try to assign the best attacking and defending position to maximize its advantages and minimize disadvantages.
In this article, i will use some terminologies that already explained in previous article entitled Stone Wall.
Strength Vs weakness
Before we start talk about strength and weakness of 5-2-2-1 formation, an overview of this formation will be showed below.
--------ST--------
----CF------CF----
------------------
----CM------CM----
------------------
-LWB----------RWB-
----CD--CD--CD----
------------------
--------GK--------
Strength:
Just like 3-4-2-1 formation, 5-2-2-1 formation have alot of striker, so its have very good offensive capabilities. Because this formation have 5 defender, its obvious that this formation have better defensive capabilities than 3-4-2-2-1 one.
Weakness:
By replacing both of your winger with LWB and RWB, you will lose more midfield battle. This mean both of your central midfielder should work harder, and sometimes your srikers should reinforce your midfield area and decrease probability of a succesful counter attack.
Defending and attacking position
Defending position A:
------------------
------------------
--------ST--------
-CF------------CF-
-----CM----CM-----
-LWB-----CD---RWB-
----CD--GK---CD---
You can use defending position A againts formation that have good capabilities in midfield battle but have lack of strikers, such as 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-5-2 or 3-6-1. Both of your CM are functioned as DM. All of you midfielder will guard enemy's second striker and wait for rebound ball in your yellow area.
Both of your CF will replace your wingers, they can launch counter attack from the side line or from the centre line.
Defending position B:
------------------
------------------
--------ST--------
-----CF----CF-----
-LWB----------RWB-
-----CM-CD-CM-----
--CD----GK----CD--
You can use defending position B againts formation that have good offensive capabilities but have lack of defenders, such as 3-4-3, 3-4-2-1, or 3-4-1-2. Both of your CF will replace your centre midfielders, and together with your wingers they will mark enemy's second line. Both of your CM will replace your left and right CD. And your left and right CD will play as LB and RB, they will prevent enemy's crossing.
Attacking position:
-CF-----ST-----CF-
----CM------CM----
-LWB----------RWB-
--------CD--------
----CD------CD----
------------------
------------------
------------------
--------GK--------
Using above attacking position, you will have at leats 5 men in enemy red area. Both of your LWB and RWB can be functioned as second offensive line. Choose player with pull wide right playing style for your right CF and pull wide left for your left CF. Player with Target man and penalty box playing style is the best selection for your ST.
I hope this article will help you to become a succesfull manager. For more information about FIFA Manager please visit pcgames-philosophy.blogspot.com, If you want to read the most up to date football news, gossip and match preview please visit happy-football.blogspot.com
Reference
Tactic Guide 4-3-3
Tactic Guide 3-5-2
Tactic Guide 4-4-2
Tactic Guide 4-5-1
Tactic Guide 4-1-2-1-2
Tactic Guide 4-1-2-2-1
Tactic Guide 3-4-3
Tactic Guide 3-4-2-1
